Michael Owen transforms bleak streets into striking canvases.
He draws people into his world with bright colors, larger-than-life figures and poignant messages. Yet the most alluring feature is that anyone can enjoy his artistry.
In Waverly, Owen’s latest mural — two panels 13-feet-wide by eight-feet-tall, show elements or symbols of the town in disarray before and after giant hands organize the pieces, creating a symmetrical design and harmonious community.
Nearly ready for gazing eyes, Owen’s mural is a product of the Baltimore Mural Project, set to create 20 murals around the city in 2008.
Owen is one of four finalists vying for the chance to create Baltimore’s largest mural, over 700 feet in length stretching from Highlandtown into Greektown.
Owen, a South Baltimorean moving to Canton, established his own business as a sophomore at Maryland Institute College of Art. In 2004, he graduated with a steady flow of design, illustration and mural commissioned projects. But where design and illustration projects were “more of corporate gigs, murals were always more personal,” he said.
What responses do you hear from residents who live among your the murals?
Most responses are about the positive impact the murals had on their travels. A lot of houses [around the murals] are in despair and things are in a state of decay. Having some bright colors and positive message behind it, goes a long way with people who pass by it on their daily route to work.
Why work on murals?
I like to work large but most importantly, I want people to see my art who wouldn’t necessarily walk into an art gallery. That’s the biggest reason why I do it. The art that I try to do is for the everyday person, which [I am] myself. Everyone deserves to see beautiful art … Murals are just wonderful because they confront people in everyday lives in neighborhoods and bus routes. You get to hear a lot of cool stories about the people who live in the area. The mural becomes a vessel for those people’s stories.
Viewers’ stories are your inspiration?
Their stories and my story — as an artist what I’ve experienced is going to be reflected in my art. But murals are where my story meets the community’s story.
IF YOU GO
The exterior walls of the Waverly Crossroads Giant Supermarket will display six murals, including Michael Owen’s work, sponsored by the Baltimore Mural Project. Giant is located at Old York Road and 33rd Street in Waverly.
Two Waverly murals are already completed; the remainder of the Waverly panels including Owen’s will be finished before the end of this week.
For more information about the Baltimore Mural Project, visit www.promotionandarts.com and click the Arts Council link or www.ci.baltimore.md.us/blank/culturemap/indexArt.html.
For more information about Michael Owen, visit www.MichaelOwenArt.com
